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KBIS Announces Designer Hosts for NEXTStage

KBIS NEXT Stage — Photo courtesy of Emerald

ORLANDO, FL -- The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), scheduled from February 17 to 19, 2026 in Orlando, FL, has announced its three hosts for NEXTStage (South Hall S28201), the dynamic show space where attendees find key insights, today’s leaders and valuable takes that are driving the industry forward. With robust programming divided into brand new tracks for fresh, current content, each day will feature a different host to lend their unique approach and guide the stage.

Day One, February 17th: Taniya Nayak has been regularly featured as host and interior designer on HGTV, including Battle on the Beach and Build It Forward and is on the next season of Rock the Block. She is also featured on 23 seasons of Food Network's Restaurant Impossible and ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. A native of India, this Boston, MA-based designer is known for creating hot new restaurants and high-end residential projects all over the U.S. Nayak successfully owns her design firm Taniya Nayak Design, Inc. based in Boston and is co-owner of several restaurants in the Boston area with her husband, Brian O’Donnell

Day Two, February 18th: Jennifer Bertrand, winner of HGTV’s Design Star (with over 5 million viewers), is known for her down-to-earth, creative approach to design that makes beautiful spaces achievable for everyone. She also won Angie’s List’s first “Sleep Sanctuary” contest inspired by Arianna Huffington’s “The Sleep Revolution.” Through her design firm, Betrand works with Ronald McDonald House Charities collaborating with the NFL, MLB and MLS, and designs projects around the world -- from Chicago to Costa Rica. She was on Monogram’s first Design Council, a past NKBA insider and is the designer on Lifetime’s Military Makeover with Montel Williams, honoring veterans through home transformations. And is currently working on a 30-room palazzo in Italy.

Day Three, February 19th: Mikel Welch is an Emmy Award-winning interior designer, set decorator and television personality known for creating layered, character-filled spaces that feel collected over time. Based in Los Angeles, his work blends classic European influence with warmth and livability. He is the design expert on Netflix’s Hack My Home and a regular on The Drew Barrymore Show. In October 2025, he released his debut book, The Forever Home, with Clarkson Potter and Penguin Random House. Welch is also the founder of Mikel Welch Home, a high-end vintage and antiques brand with a showroom at 200 Lexington Avenue in New York City.

A full NEXTStage schedule can be found on KBIS.com, where attendees can organize their show schedules with ease.